How to Overcome Writer’s Block: Proven Techniques to Get You Unstuck

Writer’s block—it’s something we’ve all been through. Whether you’re staring at a blank page, unable to find the words, or losing motivation halfway through a chapter, it can be frustrating. But here’s the thing: writer’s block is temporary, and with the right strategies, you can absolutely overcome it.

I’m Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and I’ve helped countless authors move past writer’s block and finish their books. In this post, I’m sharing my top writer’s block tips to get you writing again, including one crucial strategy I always use to make the writing process smoother.

1. Map Out Your Book Before You Start Writing

One of the best creative writing tips I can give is to map out your book from start to finish before you even begin writing. I use something called a Chapter Map, which breaks down each chapter and outlines the key details, so when I sit down to write, I don’t have to come up with new ideas. Everything is already planned! This step is a game-changer for preventing writer’s block because it keeps you focused and makes the process more manageable.

With a clear roadmap, you know exactly where you’re going, which means fewer moments of staring blankly at the screen. This also helps with writing motivation because you can track your progress and see how much closer you’re getting to a finished book.

2. Take Breaks and Clear Your Mind

If you’ve been at your desk for hours and still can’t seem to write, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away. Take a short walk, listen to music, or do something completely unrelated to writing. Giving your mind a break often allows fresh ideas to come to you naturally. Plus, it’s much easier to regain your writing motivation after a little time away.

3. Switch Up Your Writing Space

Writing in the same spot day after day can make your creativity feel stagnant. Change things up! Head to a coffee shop, sit outside, or find a new cozy corner at home. A simple shift in environment can spark new energy and help you push past that block.

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals

The idea of writing an entire book can be overwhelming, and that’s where writer’s block often sneaks in. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Set a goal to write 200 words or focus on finishing just one section of a chapter. By setting smaller goals, you’ll find that the momentum builds quickly, and that sense of accomplishment fuels your writing motivation.

5. Try Freewriting to Get Unstuck

When you’re feeling stuck, one of the simplest writer’s block tips is to freewrite. Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and just write whatever comes to mind—no filters, no editing. Freewriting is a great way to get your ideas flowing again without the pressure of perfection. Sometimes, you’ll stumble upon an idea or solution that gets you unstuck and ready to dive back into your project.

6. Eliminate Distractions

Writer’s block can also stem from too many distractions. Are your notifications going off constantly? Is your phone sitting next to you? Minimize distractions by setting aside a block of time for focused writing—even 30 minutes of undistracted writing can help you make significant progress.

7. Look for Inspiration in Other Work

Feeling creatively blocked? Sometimes the answer lies in someone else’s work. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a movie. Engaging with other creative content can spark your own ideas and help get the words flowing again. This is one of the most overlooked but effective creative writing tips.

8. Talk It Through with Someone

Sometimes, the best way to get past writer’s block is to talk it out with a friend or colleague. Explaining your writing challenge out loud can help you see the issue from a new perspective and give you fresh ideas on how to overcome it.

9. Let Go of Perfectionism

A lot of writer’s block comes from the pressure to write the perfect sentence or the perfect chapter right from the start. Newsflash: your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect! You can always revise later. Right now, focus on getting your ideas down on the page. Once you stop aiming for perfection, you’ll find that the words come much easier.

Conclusion

Writer’s block is just a hurdle—not a permanent stop sign. From mapping out your book with a Chapter Map to setting small goals and taking breaks, there are plenty of ways to keep your writing process on track. And remember, every writer gets stuck sometimes. The key is to keep going, using these writer’s block tips to help you push through.

At Smart Publishing, we help authors not only write and publish their books but also overcome the challenges that come with the process. If you’re looking for more strategies on how to overcome writer’s block or need guidance in your writing journey, reach out—we’re here to help you succeed!

Our high-touch service means we can’t work with everyone. Share your book idea with us, and we'll schedule a time to see if you're a good fit for our author family.